81st Patha Utsav to Salute IAF’s Heroic Act

Bhubaneswar: With the entire nation on a great vigil and the Indian Air Force (IAF) has proven its extra ordinary brave act by destroying Jaish-e-Mohmmad (JEM) camps at Balakot in Pakistan occupied Kashmir, the 81st Patha Utsav on coming Sunday on March 3 will have a theme dedicated to the courage, valour and services of the IAF.

While the songs will be dedicated only to patriotic tunes, other activities at the largest street festival of Bhubaneswar will be based on national integration and fighting terrorism.

Secretary Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and nodal officer of Patha Utsav Bhabani Shankar Chayani said “the act of sacrifice and patriotism shown by the personnel of IAF has moved every Indian and in a time of national emergency the IAF has played a role of great patriot and saviour. We will have this Patha Utsav dedicated to our air force.’’

It can be mentioned here that following the attack on the convoy of the CRPF personnel in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir allegedly masterminded by the JEM terrorists from POK the Mirage fighter jets in a formation of 12 launched a surprised attack in POK and destroyed the terror camps. In fact, the JEM terrorists were launching a series of terror attacks in India during the past years.

Itishree Dixit and her group will do an exclusive “rangoli’’ on the contribution of IAF towards national security and how the brave soldiers and their flying machines have contributed towards nation’s peace keeping responsibilities and stability.

Sujit Mohapatra from Bakul Foundation said “we will be doing storytelling on the exploits of the Indian Air Force and would try to invite retired IAF personnel to narrate their heroic tales to the participants. There would also be special curated sections on IAF planes/fighters and air warfare.’’ Well-known storyteller of city Prachitara will also do a storytelling session on the Indian Airforce.

Debiprasad from DPR Art Life is planning to pay a tribute towards IAF and Indian Armed Forces through innovative art themes so that the young visitors would be motivated towards the role of the national security agencies on and across the border. “We are planning to make a model of Mirage-2000 fighter jet, which proved its pivotal role during the power strike at Balakot in Pakistan occupied Kashmir to destroy JEM terror camps,’’ added Debiprasad.

Leading Odia daily Nitidina, which is regularly participating in the weekly street festival of the Temple City on Janpath, will come up with a quiz on IAF, Indian Army and patriotism.

The 81st Patha Utsav will also try to educate the civilians on their responsibilities as the nation is passing through a time of national high-alert.